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This is presidential criticism rather than being about the flood, so does not belong in the lead. Text is fine. This is first BRD revert, per https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/User_talk:Zigzig20s#let.27s_not_edit_war
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In August 2016 prolonged rainfall in [[Louisiana|South Louisiana]] resulted in catastrophic [[flooding]] that submerged thousands of houses and businesses. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Robertson |first1=Campbell |title=Thousands Displaced in Storm-Drenched Louisiana|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/us/louisiana-storm-floods-rescue.html|website=New York Times|accessdate=August 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=ELIZABETH|first1=CRISP|last2=GALLO|first2=ANDREA|title=At one-week mark, Louisiana floods are worst disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/louisiana_flood_2016/article_ef32746a-6598-11e6-80b9-0fd68a74c752.html|website=The Advocate|accessdate=19 August 2016}}</ref> [[John Bel Edwards|Governor John Bel Edwards]] called the disaster a "historic, unprecedented flooding event" and declared a state of emergency.<ref>{{cite web|first=Elizabeth|last=Crisp|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_6878d8d0-60a5-11e6-9225-63c4b7f628e1.html|title=Gov. John Bel Edwards declares state of emergency for entire state because of severe weather|publisher=|accessdate=12 August 2016}}</ref> Many rivers and waterways, particularly the [[Amite River|Amite]] and [[Comite River|Comite]] rivers, reached record levels and rainfall exceeded {{convert|20|in|mm}} in multiple parishes. Due to the large number of homeowners without [[flood insurance]] that were affected, the federal government is helping with the response through [[FEMA]]. <ref>{{cite web|last1=CRISP|first1=ELIZABETH|title=20 parishes now covered by federal disaster declaration|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_954b2eae-63ba-11e6-9c22-ef94e49d467e.html|website=The Advocate|accessdate=16 August 2016}}</ref> The [[American Red Cross]] characterized the flood as the worst US natural disaster since [[Hurricane Sandy]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Holly Yan|author2=Rosa Flores|title=Louisiana flood: Worst US disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/18/us/louisiana-flooding/index.html|accessdate=18 August 2016|work=CNN|publisher=CNN|date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=BLINDER|first1=ALAN|last2=ROBERTSON|first2=CAMPBELL|title=As Louisiana Floodwaters Recede, the Scope of Disaster Comes Into View|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/louisiana-flooding.html?_r=0|website=New York Times|accessdate=19 August 2016}}</ref> President [[Barack Obama]] has been criticized for being on vacation in [[Martha's Vineyard]] despite the humanitarian crisis.<ref name="chicagotribuneinfloodravaged"/><ref name="cnnlouisianapapertoobama"/><ref name="washingtonhereswhy"/>
In August 2016 prolonged rainfall in [[Louisiana|South Louisiana]] resulted in catastrophic [[flooding]] that submerged thousands of houses and businesses. <ref>{{cite news|last1=Robertson |first1=Campbell |title=Thousands Displaced in Storm-Drenched Louisiana|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/15/us/louisiana-storm-floods-rescue.html|website=New York Times|accessdate=August 15, 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=ELIZABETH|first1=CRISP|last2=GALLO|first2=ANDREA|title=At one-week mark, Louisiana floods are worst disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/louisiana_flood_2016/article_ef32746a-6598-11e6-80b9-0fd68a74c752.html|website=The Advocate|accessdate=19 August 2016}}</ref> [[John Bel Edwards|Governor John Bel Edwards]] called the disaster a "historic, unprecedented flooding event" and declared a state of emergency.<ref>{{cite web|first=Elizabeth|last=Crisp|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_6878d8d0-60a5-11e6-9225-63c4b7f628e1.html|title=Gov. John Bel Edwards declares state of emergency for entire state because of severe weather|publisher=|accessdate=12 August 2016}}</ref> Many rivers and waterways, particularly the [[Amite River|Amite]] and [[Comite River|Comite]] rivers, reached record levels and rainfall exceeded {{convert|20|in|mm}} in multiple parishes. Due to the large number of homeowners without [[flood insurance]] that were affected, the federal government is helping with the response through [[FEMA]]. <ref>{{cite web|last1=CRISP|first1=ELIZABETH|title=20 parishes now covered by federal disaster declaration|url=http://www.theadvocate.com/baton_rouge/news/politics/article_954b2eae-63ba-11e6-9c22-ef94e49d467e.html|website=The Advocate|accessdate=16 August 2016}}</ref> The [[American Red Cross]] characterized the flood as the worst US natural disaster since [[Hurricane Sandy]] in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|author1=Holly Yan|author2=Rosa Flores|title=Louisiana flood: Worst US disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says|url=http://www.cnn.com/2016/08/18/us/louisiana-flooding/index.html|accessdate=18 August 2016|work=CNN|publisher=CNN|date=18 August 2016}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|last1=BLINDER|first1=ALAN|last2=ROBERTSON|first2=CAMPBELL|title=As Louisiana Floodwaters Recede, the Scope of Disaster Comes Into View|url=http://www.nytimes.com/2016/08/17/us/louisiana-flooding.html?_r=0|website=New York Times|accessdate=19 August 2016}}</ref>


== Meteorological history ==
== Meteorological history ==

Revision as of 15:08, 19 August 2016

2016 Louisiana floods
The 20 Louisiana parishes that were designated as federal disaster areas by FEMA in the aftermath of the floods.
DateAugust 12, 2016 (2016-08-12) – present
LocationMost of southern Louisiana
Deaths13

In August 2016 prolonged rainfall in South Louisiana resulted in catastrophic flooding that submerged thousands of houses and businesses. [1][2] Governor John Bel Edwards called the disaster a "historic, unprecedented flooding event" and declared a state of emergency.[3] Many rivers and waterways, particularly the Amite and Comite rivers, reached record levels and rainfall exceeded 20 inches (510 mm) in multiple parishes. Due to the large number of homeowners without flood insurance that were affected, the federal government is helping with the response through FEMA. [4] The American Red Cross characterized the flood as the worst US natural disaster since Hurricane Sandy in 2012.[5][6]

Meteorological history

A map of radar-estimated rainfall accumulations across Louisiana between August 9 and 16, 2016; areas shaded in white indicate accumulations in excess of 20 in (510 mm).

Early on August 11, a mesoscale convective system flared up in southern Louisiana around a weak area of low pressure that was situated to an outflow boundary. It remained nearly stationary, and as a result, torrential downpours occurred in the areas surrounding Baton Rouge and Lafayette. Rainfall rates of up to 2–3 inches (5.1–7.6 cm) an hour were reported in the most deluged areas. Totals exceeded nearly 2 feet (61 cm) in some areas as a result of the system remaining stationary.[7] Accumulations peaked at 31.39 inches (797 mm) in Watson, just northeast of Baton Rouge.[8] It was a 500-year event, the eighth time the US has contended with such an extreme rainfall in about a year.[9]

Flood event

An 18 wheeler abandoned on Interstate 12 during the 2016 Louisiana floods.

On August 13, a flash flood emergency was issued for areas along the Amite and Comite Rivers.[10] Flooding began in earnest on August 12. By August 15, more than ten rivers (Amite, Bogue Chitto, Calcasieu, Comite, Mermentau, Pearl, Tangipahoa, Tchefuncte, Tickfaw, and Vermilion) had reached a moderate to major flood stage, and more than eight rivers reached record levels, including the Amite and Comite.[11] The Amite River crested at more than 6 ft (1.8 m) above the previous record in Magnolia and nearly 5 ft (1.5 m) above the previous record in Denham Springs.[12] Nearly one-third of all homes—approximately 15,000 structures—in Ascension Parish were flooded after a levee along the Amite River was overtopped.[13] Water levels began to slowly recede by August 15, though large swaths of land remained submerged.[14] Livingston Parish was one the hardest hit areas; an official estimated that 75 percent of the homes in the parish were a "total loss."[15] It was thought over 40,000 homes were damaged in Louisiana.[15]

Thirteen people have been confirmed dead due to the flooding.[16] Confirmed reports include three in East Baton Rouge Parish, and two in both Tangipahoa and St. Helena parishes.[17]

Evacuations and rescues

The widespread flooding stranded tens of thousands of people in their homes and vehicles. At least 20,000 people were evacuated by local law enforcement, firefighters, the Louisiana National Guard, the Coast Guard and fellow residents, from submerged vehicles and flooded homes.[13][17] A group of 70 volunteers from St. Bernard Parish conducted hundreds of boat rescues in East Baton Rouge Parish.[14] By August 15, approximately 11,000 people sought refuge in 70 shelters.[17] Flash flooding swamped a 7-mile (11 km) section of Interstate 12 between Tangipahoa Parish and Baton Rouge, stranding 125 vehicles. At one point, an approximate 62 mile stretch was closed due to flooding concerns. State police and the National Guard utilized high-water vehicles to rescue trapped motorists, but many remained stuck for over 24 hours.[10] A cellular network outage complicated rescues over the affected area.[17]

Aftermath

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards called the disaster a "historic, unprecedented flooding event" and declared a state of emergency.[18] Local government offices were closed in 27 of the state's 64 parishes.[17] The federal government also provided assistance,[19][20] and on August 13 the International Charter on Space and Major Disasters was activated by the USGS, allowing for the humanitarian redeployment of satellite assets by the international community.[21] President Barack Obama declared Tangipahoa, St. Helena, East Baton Rouge and Livingston parishes as federal disaster areas.[17] An estimated 1,500 Red Cross volunteers traveled to Louisiana.[22] Churches like the Catholic Charities Archdiocese of New Orleans and Celebration Church sent volunteers, while the Second Harvest Food Bank, the United Way of Southeast Louisiana sent food and cleaning products, and the Louisiana Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals attempted to rescue stray pets.[23] Meanwhile, singer Taylor Swift donated US$1 million to Louisiana's relief fund.[24][25][26]

Within four days, on August 16, President Barack Obama was criticized for vacationing and playing golf in Martha's Vineyard instead of visiting Louisiana, prompting comparisons to President George W. Bush's initial response to Hurricane Katrina.[27][28][29]

References

  1. ^ Robertson, Campbell. "Thousands Displaced in Storm-Drenched Louisiana". New York Times. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  2. ^ ELIZABETH, CRISP; GALLO, ANDREA. "At one-week mark, Louisiana floods are worst disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says". The Advocate. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  3. ^ Crisp, Elizabeth. "Gov. John Bel Edwards declares state of emergency for entire state because of severe weather". Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  4. ^ CRISP, ELIZABETH. "20 parishes now covered by federal disaster declaration". The Advocate. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  5. ^ Holly Yan; Rosa Flores (August 18, 2016). "Louisiana flood: Worst US disaster since Hurricane Sandy, Red Cross says". CNN. CNN. Retrieved August 18, 2016.
  6. ^ BLINDER, ALAN; ROBERTSON, CAMPBELL. "As Louisiana Floodwaters Recede, the Scope of Disaster Comes Into View". New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  7. ^ "WPC Surface Analysis North America". National Weather Service. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  8. ^ Pam Wright (August 15, 2016). "Louisiana Flood By the Numbers: Tens of Thousands Impacted". The Weather Channel. Retrieved August 15, 2016.
  9. ^ Leu, Chelsea (August 17, 2016). "How Climate Change Will Redraw Louisiana's Flood Maps". Wired. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  10. ^ a b "Nearly 24 hours later, motorists still stranded on I-12". WWL-TV. Tenga. August 14, 2016. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  11. ^ "AIR Worldwide: Louisiana's Record Rainfall Caused by Low-Pressure System". Insurance Journal. August 16, 2016.
  12. ^ Emamdjomeh, Armand; Krishnakumar, Priya. "A before-and-after look at the deadly, record-setting flooding in Louisiana". Los Angeles Times.
  13. ^ a b "Death Toll Rises to 7 in Historic Louisiana Flooding; 20,000 Rescued". Weather Channel. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  14. ^ a b Michale Kunzelman and Melinda Deslatte (August 15, 2016). "Thousands Hunker Down After Louisiana Floods; 6 Killed". ABC News. Associated Press. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  15. ^ a b Michael Kunzelman (August 16, 2016). "Louisiana governor: 40K homes damaged by historic flooding". Yahoo! News. AP. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  16. ^ Robertson, Campbell (August 16, 2016). "As Louisiana Floodwaters Recede, the Scope of Disaster Comes Into View". New York Times. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  17. ^ a b c d e f Christine Hauser (August 15, 2016). "Louisiana Floods Lead to 7 Deaths". The New York Times. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  18. ^ Crisp, Elizabeth. "Gov. John Bel Edwards declares state of emergency for entire state because of severe weather". Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  19. ^ "President Obama Signs Louisiana Disaster Declaration". whitehouse.gov. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  20. ^ Cordova, Elisabeth Butler (August 12, 2016). "Flash floods ravage Gulf Coast states as storms dump hard rain". Retrieved August 12, 2016.
  21. ^ "Flood in the United States". www.disasterscharter.org. August 13, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  22. ^ Ben Lockhart (August 15, 2016). "Red Cross: Utah's volunteer response to Louisiana flooding to be largest since 2012". Deseret News. Retrieved August 16, 2016.
  23. ^ Williams, Jessica (August 15, 2016). "New Orleans area officials, nonprofits work to help flood victims in Baton Rouge, elsewhere in Louisiana". The Advocate. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  24. ^ "Taylor Swift gives $1m to help Louisiana flood relief efforts". The Guardian. August 17, 2015. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  25. ^ "Taylor Swift Donates $1 Million for Flood Relief". The Hollywood Reporter. August 16, 2016. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  26. ^ Delbyck, Cole (August 17, 2016). "Taylor Swift Writes Million-Dollar Check To Louisiana After Devastating Floods". The Huffington Post. Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  27. ^ Janssen, Kim (August 18, 2016). "In flood-ravaged Louisiana, newspaper criticizes a golfing Obama". Chicago Tribune. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  28. ^ Liptak, Kevin (August 18, 2016). "Louisiana paper to Obama: Cut vacation short". CNN. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
  29. ^ Cillizza, Chris (August 18, 2016). "Here's why President Obama isn't stopping his vacation to visit the Louisiana flooding". The Washington Post. Retrieved August 19, 2016.
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